DON’T MISS: Worcester Walk to Defeat ALS, May 3rd at Foley Stadium

The Worcester Walk to Defeat ALS will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at Worcester's Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium.

Beginning with 9am check in and registration, the Walk starts at 11am. The 2-mile walk seeks to raise over $75,000 to sustain care services and support research to find a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Over 23 teams are already registered for this event, with 6 teams new to the 2014 Walk. The goal is to have 40 teams.

Fun and entertainment

Providing fun and entertainment for the participants will be Lauren Clinch of Imagination Face Art, returning to the Walk this year to provide face painting; David Mires of Flash & Dance DJ, and the group will have a Zumba warm-up. Also on hand for the festivities will be corporate mascots, “Slice” from Papa Gino’s, “Orson”, from Polar Beverages, and “Fins” from The Worcester Sharks.

Local artist, Joe Manzello, will be a featured guest speaker and will tell his personal story about the ALS journey.

The Worcester Walk to Defeat ALS is in its second year and has raised over $60,000 to date. “Shout Out” teams, recognized for superior fundraising, to date are: Snap, Crackle, Pop, Pop with over $3,300 raised; Brenda’s Firecrackers, with $2,525 raised; Team Wally, with over $1,595, Val, with close to $1,000, and Team Frank!, with over $850. Top Individual Walker to date is Celine Vienneau with over $1,535 raised to date.

The Walk to Defeat ALS is a national signature event and each year, over 150,000 individuals, many from local companies and organizations, join together to raise funds in support of the ALS cause. Now in its 14th year, approximately 175 Walks will be held throughout the US in a nationwide effort to raise $23 million. Since its inception, thousands of people throughout the country have raised over 184 million dollars to fight ALS.

About ALS

ALS often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS weakens every voluntary muscle in the body including those associated with walking, talking, moving, swallowing, and breathing. As an ALS patient becomes weaker his/her mind and senses usually remain intact the entire time. There is no cure for ALS. The average life expectancy is five years or less.

The ALS Association is the only nonprofit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. Through global research, assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, the Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments. For more information on the Worcester Walk to Defeat ALS and for assistance in putting a team together, contact 781-255-8884 or go to http://web.alsa.org/worcesterwalk2014 or email [email protected].

Related Slideshow: Spring Has Arrived: 25 Great Events in New England

Worcester VegFest

Worcester, MA - April 6, 2014

Now in its fifth year, the Worcester VegFest is a FREE festival that brings together Worcesterites to celebrate vegetarianism animal-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and healthy lifestyle. The event features socially responsible businesses, national inspiring speakers, free samples of tasty vegan food, and a vegan food court.

New England Family Fun Festival

Providence, RI - April 26-27, 2014

In April, the Rhode Island Convention Center will host The New England Family Fun Festival, which offers fun and educational activities for the entire family. The festivities will include rides, games, bounce houses, face painting, rock climbing, live performances by The Toe Jam Puppet Band, Vanessa Trien, Story Tellers Len Cabral, Carolyn Martino, Tammy Titus and Valerie Tutson, Marine Biology and Aquarium by Biomes, Arts & Workshops and the Providence Friar’s Official DJ, Finesse playing music during family competitions like Lego building and Simon Says. Festivities will take place from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

118th Boston Marathon

Boston, MA - April 21, 2014

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the world’s best-known road racing events with over 20,000 participants. Amateur and professional runners flock to Boston from all over the world to compete on the hilly terrain. The race starts west of the city in Hopkinton and ends in Boston. Approximately 500,000 spectators line the 26.2-mile course each year, making the Boston Marathon New England’s most widely viewed sporting event.

Virtu Art Festival

Westerly, RI - May 24-25

More than 185 selected artists from New England and beyond participate in this free two-day exhibit and sale of artwork and fine crafts. Featuring food, live entertainment and free children’s activities. This event, which will be held at Wilcox Park, will take place rain or shine.

Knights! Community Day Renaissance Faire

Worcester, MA - March 28-30, 2014

Later this month, the Worcester Art Museum will celebrate the opening of Knights!, a major arms and armor exhibition. The festivities include music; costumed performers; theater; storytelling; and art making workshops. On Saturday, come dressed as your favorite historical figure: knights, pirates, princesses, and more. On Sunday, the museum will celebrate fantasy. Dress as an inspired super hero and enjoy all the fairies, wizards, and other colorful characters wandering around the galleries. Each day will have great food and beverages for sale.

Pond Skimming at Sugarbush

Lincoln Peak, VT - March 29, 2014

An excellent spectator event, the "Annual Rite of Spring at Sugarbush" is oldest continually running pond skimming event in the country. Dive right into spring in your craziest costume. Registration from 9am-11am in the Gate House Cafeteria. Limited to the first 100 competitors.

The Annual Bud Light Reggae Fest

Carrabassett Valley, ME - April 10-13, 2014

Held at the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, this annual spring party draws thousands of spring skiing and reggae enthusiasts to the mountains of Maine. Jam out to sensational reggae tunes. The biggest winter music event in Maine mixes with perfect spring skiing.

Gaspee Days Celebration

Warwick, RI - June 13-15

In June of 1772 brave colonists from Rhode Island burned the British revenue schooner, HMS Gaspee, in what has become recognized as the first overt action leading to the American Revolutionary War. Since 1965, the village of Pawtuxet has commemorated this act with its annual Gaspee Days Celebration. The event features colonial fife and drum corps, Civil War era units, modern day drum and bugle corps, and more.

Wildquack Duck River Festival

Jackson, NH - May 25, 2014

Held at Jackson Village Park, this outdoor action-packed day in the White Mountains of New Hampshire brings singles, families, strangers, businesses and guests all together to forget about life’s trials and tribulations if only for a few short hours. Laugh out loud as 3,500 yellow rubber ducks make their way downstream to the finish line.

The Atlantic Cup

Newport, RI - May 24-25, 2014

Pack a picnic and come down to Fort Adams for the Atlantic Cup's Inshore Series. Teams will race in Narragansett Bay in the third and final leg of America's only Class 40 sailing race. With an up close view of the start and finish line, live commentary and fun activities for all ages, you won't want to miss any of the action.

1st Annual 4B Festival

New Haven, CT - March 22, 2014

From craft brews to bacon, bourbons to barbecue; come enjoy the finest flavors from around the region to tantalize your taste buds and tickle your senses. The 4B Festival will bring together national and local purveyors all in one place to offer the most delicious and creative samplings to “4B” aficionados, all highlighted with musical performances, interactive art displays and live competitions among home brewers, BBQ taste tests and a bacon eating contest for the real meat eaters. If you wish to purchase tickets, act quickly because only limited quantities are left.

Great Chowder Cook-off

Newport, RI - June 7, 2014

Sponsored by Polar Seltzer, the Newport's Great Chowder Cook-off is the largest and longest running (over 30 years), chowder festival in New England. Located right in the buzz of historic downtown Newport, this event features national and regional competitors. Festival-goers will taste-test a myriad of traditional and exotic chowders from all kitchens, then vote for the best in three categories: Clam, Seafood and Creative.

Misquamicut Springfest

Westerly, Rhode Island - May 9-11, 2014

Held at Misquamicut State Beach, SpringFest will include beer, blues, BBQ and rock & roll tent with entertainment throughout the week, a Ferris wheel and major rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. New this year: arts & crafts displays featuring local vendors. The event also includes fireworks on Friday night.

Nantucket Wine Festival

Nantucket Island, MA - May 14-18, 2014

What better reason to visit one of America’s most famous vacation islands? Come enjoy this boutique experience of world class wines and award winning food. Over the past 17 years, the Nantucket Wine Festival has become one of the most celebrated wine and food events in the country. You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets to events that include wine or spirits. Valid ID required for entry. The Opening Reception, Harbor Gala, La Fête and Grand Tastings are the heart and soul of the five day experience.

Art in the City Gala

Worcester, MA - May 9, 2014

Join the Family Health Center of Worcester on May 9 for an evening of art and entertainment featuring a great selection of original artwork created by dozens of local artists. The evening includes live music by the Kallin Johnson Trio with a cameo performance by Dale LePage, a live auction hosted by local celebrity Jen Carter from WXLO, a wide selection of gourmet hors d'oeuvres and much more. Whether you are new to the arts, an avid collector, or just out for a night of fun, don’t miss this celebration of the arts.

Sea Music Festival at Mystic Seaport

Mystic, Connecticut - June 12-15, 2014

In June, Mystic Seaport will host its annual Sea Music Festival, one of the world’s premier sea music events. Thousands of people gather each year to hear Mystic Seaport’s Chantey Staff along with performers from around the globe carry on the classic musical traditions of the Golden Age of Sail. Enjoy featured music from maritime cultures around the world, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Australia, Iceland, Poland, Netherlands, France, Canada and Africa, as well as native peoples within the United States.

Antique Car Rally

Sturbridge, MA - June 1, 2014

In June, Old Sturbridge Village will host its annual Antique Car Rally. More than 50 pre-1946 automobiles will be showcased on the Common throughout the day and a grand procession of the autos will take place at 3:30 p.m.

Down East Spring Birding Festival

Cobscook Bay Area, ME - May 23-26, 2014

The Annual Down East Spring Birding Festival provides a unique experience in “the real Maine” where birders can get out on their own and observe a great variety of birds in diverse natural environments. The festival offers birders various self-guided explorations as well as guided hikes, boat tours, and presentations led by area experts. Over 400 bird species have been sighted in Maine, and almost three-quarters of them have been seen in the Cobscook Bay area.

Boston Jazz Week 2014

Boston, MA - April 21 - 30, 2014

Jazz Week is a collaborative, decentralized celebration of the music by the entire Greater Boston jazz community. This year’s event is being held one week earlier than usual – launching on Boston Marathon Day (also Patriot’s Day holiday). Once again Jazz Week will cover a 10-day period, ending on another special day – International Jazz Day, Wednesday, April 30.

Boothbay Annual Fisherman’s Festival

Boothbay Harbor, ME - April 25-27, 2014

Trap hauling, cod fish relay, old-fashioned fish fry, Miss Shrimp Princess Pageant, lobster crate race and other contests are all a part of this celebration of fishing in this beautiful mid-coast Maine town. Boothbay Harbor, in mid-coast Maine, boasts the largest fleet of excursion boats on the coast for viewing lighthouses, seals, islands, whales and puffins.

Brew Woo

Worcester, MA - April 19, 2014

On Saturday, April 19, The Ranch will present Worcesters Original Craft Beer Festival, Brew Woo. Now in its fourth year, the event will feature two sessions from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 9:00pm in the Convention Center of the DCU Center. The event will feature breweries with craft beers and local brews, live music, and several vendors.

Meriden Daffodil Festival

Meriden, CT - April 26-27, 2014

Outdoor family festival with more than 600,000 daffodils on display (61 different varieties) in the 1,800-acre historic Hubbard Park. Events include parade, juried crafts show, three stages of entertainment, fireworks, amusement area and food tent.

Annual Cape Cod Maritime Festival

Cape Cod, MA - May 19 – June 21, 2014

The month-long event will include a variety of Cape-wide maritime-themed activities, including guided kayak excursions, lighthouse and walking tours, nautical art exhibits, the Annual Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, the Wellfleet Harborfest and Nautical Flea Market and more. Maritime Days will culminate with the Annual Cape Cod Quahog Day on the Cape Cod Canal on June 21st.

Newport Craft Beer Festival

Newport, RI - April 26

The 3rd annual Newport Craft Beer Festival will be held at the Great Friends Meeting House Lawn. Every brewery in Rhode Island will be in attendance as well as many from New England and all over the US. The event will also feature a home brewing demonstration, live music and food from local restaurants.